Donald Trump Doubles Down on Support for Silk Road Creator
The former US president has promised to commute Ulbricht's sentence if re-elected in next month's presidential elections
October 3, 2024 09:34 AM
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TL;DR Donald Trump has reaffirmed his support for Ross Ulbricht, the Silk Road creator serving a double life sentence. Ulbricht begins his 12th year in prison with hopes of commutation.
Trump's Bold Promise
Former US President Donald Trump has once again made headlines by voicing his support for Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the infamous Silk Road.
On October 1, Ulbricht began his 12th year in prison. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, proclaiming, "I WILL SAVE ROSS ULBRICHT!" This declaration has reignited discussions about the fairness of Ulbricht's sentence.
Ulbricht's Message from Behind Bars
Ross Ulbricht, who celebrated his 40th birthday in March, continues communicating with the outside world through his family.
In an October 1 X post, Ulbricht wrote, "Today marks the beginning of my 12th year in prison. I plan to make the most of my time and use it wisely." The message highlights his enduring hope and determination despite facing a double life sentence plus 40 years without the possibility of parole.
A Promise for Clemency
Trump's recent declaration is not his first expression of support for Ulbricht. Earlier this year, during the Libertarian National Convention, Trump made a significant promise.
If re-elected, he pledged to commute Ulbricht's sentence on his first day in office. This promise has been a beacon of hope for Ulbricht and his supporters, who argue that his punishment is overly severe.
"After 11 years in prison, it's hard to put into words how I feel right now," Ulbricht previously expressed, emphasizing his gratitude to Trump.
Support from High-Profile Figures
The debate over Ulbricht's sentence has attracted attention from influential figures. Billionaire venture capitalist Tim Draper is among those advocating for Ross's release.
Draper and many others believe that Ulbricht's sentence is disproportionate to his charges and that he deserves clemency. Trump's willingness to reconsider his stance on crypto issues might signal a potential shift in how Ulbricht's case is viewed politically.
The Broader Implications
The resurgence of Ulbricht's case in the political arena highlights broader discussions about justice, technology, and the dark web. With Trump's support, there is renewed hope for Ulbricht, who remains a controversial figure in the digital world.
As the 2024 presidential Election approached, the case could become a pivotal topic, particularly among voters concerned with justice reform and technology policies.